Can I add more Displays to my Micronet system? Yes. A new instrument can be added to an existing network by simply bringing it close to the existing network and using one of the original instrument to carry out the "Autonetwork" procedure. Any new display or transmitter can be added to an existing network. Leave the new display switched off and simply hold it close to one of the original displays.

Turn on the original display and navigate to SETUP / OPTIONS / AUTONETWORK to carry out the networking procedure. During the 60 second countdown the new unit will power up and join the existing network. The original display will beep and display "Unit Add". You must ensure that any "Entry Level" products have a power supply connected.

Joining two existing networks together varies with software. From 2010 networks can merge and parts that already form an alternative network will power up and display "Join" requiring a keypad press and confirmation before allowing the procedure to continue and all parts of the two networks involved will combine. On older software units it is best to separate (>100m) the individual units and introduce them to the required network one by one keeping any other components out of radio contact with the networking pair during the network process.

Why are my boat speed values different for each tack? This is almost certainly due to an offset from the center line or due to a miss-alignment of the transducer housing in the boat's hull. An offset puts the sensor at a different vertical height on each tack, and the flow acceleration under the hull varies with height, hence the problem and it is a common problem with speed transducers when they are not mounted on center (often you can't mount them on the center line due to structural issues such as stringers.

The simplest "solution" is to experiment with rotating the paddle housing either clockwise or counterclockwise by around 10 to 20 degrees. By doing this, you correct the asymetry with the rotational alignment.

If the housing is not aligned correctly in the hull it may be necessary to twist the transducer to ensure the correct speed readings. In these cases the keyway slot in the top of the housing should be extended using a sharp knife or small file to ensure the transducer can be fully secured and sealed into the housing.

The Tacktick Race Master, Maxi and Dual Maxi displays have a software calibration to correct for tack to tack speed differences. Always ensure there is a good coating of silicone grease on the o-rings around the transducer inserts. Dry o-rings can cause the transducers to stick and not push fully into the housings. In severe cases damage to the housing and the internal valves can be caused by sticking o-rings.

The standard T912 retractable depth transducer supplied by Tacktick can be installed without cutting a hole in the bottom of the boat. The supplied through hull fitting can be bonded to the inside of the hull ( a spacer should be constructed to take up and angle (deadrise) in the hull ensuring that the transducer is mounted vertically downwards). Remove the o-ring seals from the bottom of the transducer and fill the fitted tube with oil before inserting the transducer and securing with the screw cap. If fitted correctly there will be only a very slight reduction of performance compared to a standard through hull installation.

Speed - No.

The Standard T911 Speed Transducer supplied by Tacktick is a paddle wheel device which requires through the hull installation. The standard housing is of a low profile design and is fitted with a valve to reduce the amount of water coming into the boat when the transducer is removed for cleaning. If required a "Flush Mount" housing (T943)is available to keep the housing totally flush with the outer surface of the hull.

Triducer - No.

The T910 Triducer supplied by Tacktick is a paddle wheel device which requires through the hull installation. The standard housing is of a low profile design and is fitted with a valve to reduce the amount of water coming into the boat when the transducer is removed for cleaning. If required a "Flush Mount" housing (T943)is available to keep the housing totally flush with the outer surface of the hull. The T075 Race Master System comes complete with the optional flush housing included.

Can I reduce or increase the length of cable to my transducers? It is not advisable to increase the length of the cables but they can be shortened.

Tacktick encourages the shortening of cables. Due to the nature of the Hull Transmitter and Speed/Depth Pod it is designed to be installed close to the Transducers reducing the requirement to run lengthy cables through the boat. Unusual in Marine Electronics it is acceptable to reduce the length of the Depth Transducer cable as well as those of the speed and compass transducers. It is preferable to shorten all cables rather than coil up any excess.

Increasing the cable length will result in reduced signals and possible introduction of "noise" into the system reducing reliability.

I had an old instruments system with through hull transducers, can I use these with a Micronet system? Tacktick use Airmar transducers which are common with many other marine electronics manufacturers. 13 degree Beam Width 250W RMS Power 2in (51mm) Hole Diameter Speed 19,000 pulses per nautical mile 8 Vdc supply voltage 2in (51mm) Hole Diameter

Will my mobile phone or any other similar technology interfere with my Micronet system? The radio frequency of the Micronet instrument range is close to that of GSM Mobile telephones but not close enough for interference to occur under normal circumstances.

If your boat is moored directly below a mobile telephone mast then it is possible that some interference could occur.

Due to international radio licensing restrictions Micronet is forced to operate on different frequencies in different locations:

916MHz - USA / Australasia

869MHz - Europe / Africa

Although Micronet systems will operate in any region of the world using the wrong frequency could lead to interference from other transmitting equipment in that region. All Micronet transmitters (Hull, Wind, NMEA, etc.) are Global Frequency and will work on either of the two frequencies automatically. Micronet displays can be switched from one frequency to the other via the keypad.

I am laying up my boat for the winter. What is the best thing to do with my Micronet Instruments? It is best to ensure that all the wireless components of a Micronet system are fully charged before storing for the winter. If there is not enough sunlight to charge Displays then connect a 9-24V supply to the terminals hidden behind the small panel on the rear of the display and leave for 12 hours.

Ensure that power has been supplied to Hull and NMEA Transmitters for 12 hours before layup. If the mast is taken down for the winter then it is best to remove the Wind Transmitter to prevent damage. Check the outside of the unit is clean and rinse with fresh water then dry it thouroughly before storing safely away. All components can be stored away on the boat or at home for the winter period.

My transducer is very stiff and will not inset fully into the housing. What is wrong? It is important to ensure that the o-rings on all transducers are carefully greased before they are inserted into the housing.

In the case of the T911 and T912 Speed and Depth Transducers insufficient grease will make the inserts stiff and hard to insert and once in place it may be very difficult to remove the transducer again.

In the case of the T910 Triducer the large yellow o-ring at the top of the Triducer insert will not pass into the top of the housing at all unless it is greased. The hand nut that secures the Triducer will feel tight but the bottom transducer surface will not be flush with the outside of the hull and speed and depth information will be incorrect. In severe cases the valve from the inside of the housing can be broken when trying to remove a Triducer that is not well greased.

All Tacktick Transducers are supplied with a small tube of silicone grease suitable for application to the o-rings.

These different frequencies are required to operate within the legally defined bands in the relevant countries.

All displays manufactured since January 2008 can be changed via the keypad and transmitters (hull, wind, nmea) are "Global Frequency Response" from November 2007. Products manufactured before these dates should be returned to Tacktick for update should a frequency change be required.

To Change Frequency:

Press and hold key 2 for 2 seconds to enter setup.

Scroll down using key 1 to view the Health chapter.

Step right using key 4 to display the units own software version.

Press and hold key 3 for 5 seconds to enter frequency selection.

Press key 2 to make the selection flash*.

Use key 3 and 4 to change to the required frequency.

Press and hold key 2 to set the required frequency.

Power down the system.

On the next power up the complete network will operate on the selected frequency.

*The default frequency for a display is indicated on the serial number label. Setting the software switch to "OFF" will allow the display to operate at the default frequency.

Is there a possibility that my neighbours Micronet system could interfere with mine or that I could read information on his boat and vice versa? Each Micronet system has its own unique address. This ensures that it will not communicate with any other Micronet system. Micronet networks are set up at installation stage and systems manufactured since September 2009 have been pre-networked making a system operate together directly out of the box.

Additional new instruments may be asked to join the network later but another system cannot be coupled without the user accepting the process via the keypad.

Essentially each Micronet network is a secure system and will not communicate with others close by.

Why is my depth reading locked on one depth only? This can be cased by a keel with a bulb or wing on the bottom. The depth sounder picks up a reflection from the keel and this looks like a fixed depth. Often setting a keel offset will prevent this from happening. It is also possible that a transducer that is not fully inserted into the housing can cause this as the system picks up an echo from the edge of the housing.

Is my Tacktick waterproof? Yes. All Tacktick displays are waterproof. Submersible to 10 Meters although the Micro Compass will float.

Unlike many other marine electronics instruments Tacktick products are fully sealed and can be submerged to depths of 10m. There have been reports of displays being lost overboard and then retrieved later by divers several days later to be placed back on board still working.

It is recommended that Hull Transmitters and Speed/Depth Pods are located in areas of the boat such that they are not subjected to direct water spray.

My Speed reads slow or zero. What can I do? First you should check the paddle wheel is clean and running freely by removing the transducer from the in hull housing and checking carefully for debris.

If the paddle wheel turns freely by hand but no speed is displayed: Check on the Race Master display in the Setup / Health chapter that the Hull Transmitter is operating correctly. In a simple Race Master System the first page in the Health Chapter should indicate "no2" and the next page should give information under the title HULL.

f the Hull Transmitter is not working check that there is a power supply (battery or solar panel) connected and if there is no change after 6 hours of charging contact Tacktick support by filling in the Customer Support Form.

If the Hull Transmitter is communicating with the Race Master check carefully the transducer connections.

Disconnecting the brown or white wires will change the speed reading from 0.0 to - - -. Connecting a direct link between the brown and white terminals on the Hull Transmitter will change the speed reading from - - - to 0.0 without any other connections being made.

How do I find out how well my system is operating? Information about a Micronet network is available from any display by entering the Calibration Mode and navigating to the Health chapter.

Press and hold the SPOT (SETUP) key on any display to enter the Setup mode.

Repeatedly press the DOWN (Power) key to scroll down through the menu until you get to the Health chapter.

Press the RIGHT ARROW (TRUE) key to scroll through network information:

"Nodes" indicates the total number of items on the network including all transmitters and Displays.The number of "Nodes" is only displayed on the unit used to power up the system. Other units will indicate the signal strength between the display and another display that was used to power up the system.

"HULL", "WIND" and "NMEA" pages show the software version of the indicated unit, signal strength and battery/charge information for the indicated unit. on the "WIND" page press and hold the LEFT ARROW (APPT) key to change to the DSIG (or WINDD) page where the direct signal strength from the Wind Transmitter will be shown (in the normal WIND page the signal will be the strongest signal for wind data and this is most likely being relayed form another device within the network).

Signal strengths are a maximum of 9 and acceptable down to 4/3. Consistent reading of less than 3 could be a concern and may indicate a problem with the system or its installation.

Press and hold the SPOT (SETUP) key on the display to exit the Setup mode.